Tyler asked Jess.She was sure he hadn’t turned her way when she popped out. “No, but they’re headed straight for us. They’ll see the opening any minute.”With Colchev and his men only a few hundred yards away, Tyler and Jess couldn’t come out of the secret passage without being spotted. Unarmed, Jess knew they’d be easy prey.“At least we won’t be ambushed like on Easter Island,” Tyler said. “That gives us a small advantage.”“What are we going to do?”“I’ve got to collapse the chamber. It’s the only way to be sure. We can’t let Colchev get his hands on the xenobium.”“You’ll be killed!”“This isn’t a discussion.” He took the lead apron from her and stuffed it in the backpack. He gave her the crowbar and said, “Come on.”Carrying the backpack, Tyler ran toward the central chamber. Jess followed, expecting him to climb back up to the pillar, but instead he crossed the chamber and went out through the larger main entrance on the opposite side.The wide passageway turned right and ended at a brick wall after another thirty feet.With a look of concentration, Tyler examined the wall, then turned 360 degrees.“What are you doing?”
